iQOO Z9 5G vs iQOO Z7 5G: What’s different?
The iQOO Z9 5G has finally landed here in Malaysia, with the smartphone succeeding the Z7 5G of last year. To refresh your memory, the iQOO Z7 5G was built as a day-to-day performer for fast-paced Gen Z youth. Considering its price, it left a good impression on us when we tested it out.
Now with the release of the iQOO Z9 5G, let’s see if there’s any notable upgrades from the Z7 5G that can leave a greater mark.
iQOO Z9 5G vs iQOO Z7 5G: Spec comparison
| iQOO Z9 5G | iQOO Z7 5G | |
| Launch Price | RM1,499 – 12GB+256GB RM1,399 – 8GB+256GB | RM1,499 – 12GB+256GB RM1,299 – 8GB+128GB |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 782G |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 1.5K (2800×1260), 144Hz, 4,500nits (peak) | 6.64″ LCD, 1288×1080, 120Hz |
| Rear Camera | 50MP 1/2″ Sony IMX882 main w/ OIS 2MP depth | 64MP main w/ OIS 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery & Charging | 6,000mAh; 80W wired | 5,000mAh; 120W wired |
| Cooling | 6,043mm2 vapour chamber | 3,002mm2 vapour chamber |
| IP Rating | IP64 | N/A |
| Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
The great news here is that the ceiling price hasn’t budged. On the iQOO Z9 5G, the highest 12GB+256GB variant is still priced at RM1,499. As for the second memory option, iQOO has done away with the 128GB storage option, now giving consumers an 8GB+256GB variant priced at RM1,399.
You’ll get a direct processor upgrade on the iQOO Z9 5G with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 released in November 2023. For context, the iQOO Z7 5G which released in 2023 ran on the Snapdragon 782G released in November 2022. So it’s more or less a straight swap from older to newer in terms of chipset.
When it comes to displays though, you’ll find more substance on the Z9 5G. Aside from fitting in a new AMOLED panel, the Z9 5G now comes with higher 1.5K (1260p) resolution and smoother 144Hz refresh rates. Not only that, brightness gets a major lift to 4,500nits so usage under the glaring sun poses no issue.
Cameras too, have seen a welcome addition of a 1-inch Sony IMX882 sensor on the 50MP main lens, while the front selfie shooter keeps to 16MP.
One of the key features of last year’s Z7 5G was its speedy 120W charging. For this year, it seems iQOO has decided to put more emphasis on a larger battery instead of faster charging. As a result, the iQOO Z9 5G now packs a 6,000mAh battery with 80W wired charging, which, to be fair, is still going to be lightning quick.
Then there’s the expansive 6043mm2 vapour chamber, which has doubled from the 3,002mm2 from the Z7 5G. And not to mention the IP64 rating that now at least provides some peace of mind against dust and water.
With punchier high resolution AMOLED displays, the use of a Sony IMX882 sensor, plus the larger 6,000mAh battery, the iQOO Z9 5G is a substantial upgrade from the iQOO Z7 5G. That it’s ceiling price remains the same as last year’s is a much-welcomed service to the mid-range segment.
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